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Bill

S 5194

A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to improve the maintenance, alteration, and construction of United States courthouses, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by John Boozman and 2 co-sponsors

S. 5194 aims to maintain, alter, and construct federal courthouses to improve safety, accessibility, modernization, and facility standards.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5194

Joint Summary of Bill S. 5194 (119th Congress)

Purpose and Intent

  • S. 5194 seeks to amend title 28 of the United States Code to improve the maintenance, alteration, and construction of United States courthouses, and for other related purposes.
  • The bill is presented as a framework to enhance the preservation, safety, accessibility, and modernization of federal courthouse facilities.

Key Provisions and Changes (as indicated by the bill’s title and summary language)

  • Maintenance Improvements: Establishes standards or requirements intended to improve ongoing upkeep of federal courthouses to ensure secure, reliable operations.
  • Alteration and Modernization: Enables or directs alterations to existing courthouses. This could include upgrades to infrastructure (e.g., electrical, plumbing, climate control), security enhancements, accessibility features, and modernization of courtrooms and supporting facilities.
  • Construction Provisions: Addresses the construction of new federal courthouses or substantial additions, including potential design, funding, or fiscal oversight considerations.
  • Administration and Oversight: Likely involves roles for federal agencies (such as the General Services Administration or courts’ administrative bodies) in planning, approving, and supervising maintenance, alteration, and construction projects.
  • Compliance and Standards: Could establish or reference standards for safety, accessibility (e.g., ADA compliance), energy efficiency, seismic resilience, and other facility requirements.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Federal Courthouses: The primary subject of maintenance, alterations, and new construction.
  • Judicial and Administrative Agencies: Agencies responsible for property management, facility construction, and courthouse operations would implement provisions.
  • Taxpayer/Public Interest: As federal facilities, funding decisions and project timelines may indirectly impact federal budgeting and regional accessibility to court services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • Sponsor Coordination: The bill lists co-sponsors Kevin Cramer, John Boozman, and Dick Durbin, indicating bipartisan interest and support.
  • Action History: As of the latest update, the bill has undergone read twice in the Senate and referral to a committee (Environment and Public Works). No floor passage or House action is described in the provided history.
  • Fiscal and Implementation Timeline: Specific funding levels, implementation deadlines, or phased timelines are not detailed in the provided information. The actual bill text would specify appropriations, grant mechanisms, construction schedules, and compliance deadlines if included.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Facility Safety and Accessibility: By prioritizing maintenance and modernization, the bill could improve safety, emergency egress, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and courtroom technology readiness.
  • Operational Continuity: Upgraded facilities may reduce disruptions due to aging infrastructure and weather-related vulnerabilities.
  • Budgetary Implications: The focus on construction and alterations implies potential federal funding allocations; the exact amounts and funding mechanisms would be defined in the bill’s provisions or accompanying appropriations.
  • Timelines and Delays: Large-scale construction and modernization projects can face scheduling challenges; the bill may include project management and oversight provisions to mitigate delays.

Notes

  • The summary above reflects the information available from the bill’s title, sponsors, and stated action history. For a precise understanding of all provisions, definitions, authorizations, funding mechanisms, and statutory changes, the full text of S. 5194 and any committee reports would be required.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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